SITA (www.SITA.aero), the global air transport communications provider, is to roll out faster, new-generation connectivity across Kenya Airways’ global network, a vital investment in infrastructure needed to support the airline’s renewed focus on cost optimization and airline modernization.

Among Africa’s top three airlines, Kenya Airways is seeking to leverage SITA’s latest communication technology to drive new efficiencies in the management of its route network while ensuring the best passenger experience across the airline’s global footprint.

Through SITA Connect, the airline will have access to high-speed, secure connectivity, linking employees and sales offices around the world to Kenya Airways’ central systems and applications to manage everything from reservations, check-in and boarding.

With a global presence, SITA is able to meet the airline’s complete connectivity requirements with tailored solutions for each location. Central to the delivery is SITA’s AirportHub™, a shared connectivity platform already used in more than 300 airports in over 100 countries. Using SITA’s common-use infrastructure eliminates the complexity of dealing with local telecom providers while enabling Kenya Airways to connect securely to their central systems and applications from any airport in the AirportHub network.

Mbuvi Ngunze, Group MD and CEO of Kenya Airways said: “As we seek to position Kenya Airways for the future, we needed a single communications partner that could take care of all our connectivity requirements no matter where we operate. SITA, with its truly global footprint and experience, provided us with a world-class solution supported by a local presence in each destination, connecting even the furthest outstation to our hub in Nairobi.”

Hani El-Assaad, SITA President, Middle East, India and Africa said: “Today connectivity on demand is the lifeblood of any airline, ensuring the smooth and rapid exchange of information needed to support effective operations no matter where in the world an airline operates, the size of their operation or their business model. We have used our global experience and presence to provide Kenya Airways with the latest communication solution that is able to cater to their own specific requirements.”

Kenya Airways flies to 53 destinations including 43 destinations in Africa, carrying more than 4 million passengers every year.